Jim and Michelle both grew up in Southern Oregon and were married in August of 1987. They have two adult sons and a daughter‑in‑love who all live in the Tualatin/Sherwood area. After vacationing in Homer for more than 20 years, they purchased a piece of “vacation” property in 2017 with the dream of creating a family retreat with a few cabins.
Before construction even began, they received an unexpected offer on that property and decided to sell—then purchased another property sight unseen. When they arrived, they discovered it held the most breathtaking view they had ever seen. They began building in 2018 and returned to Oregon, planning to finish the home and cabins the following summer.
By the time they came back in 2019, it was clear this was no longer just a vacation home. They sensed an adventure unfolding. As they prayed and dreamed, the idea of a pastoral retreat began to take shape. Everyone they spoke with encouraged them to connect with Bill and Susan Wilkinson, who were living in Tennessee at the time.
Jim met Bill at the Church on the Rock missions conference, where he learned more about Arctic Barnabas. They decided to host a ministry family through Arctic Barnabas as a “test”—and it turned out to be an incredible blessing. Around that same time, Bill and Susan were preparing to move back to Alaska and were looking for a home.
Long story short, Jim and Michelle felt the Lord leading them to step aside from their original vision for a season. The Wilkinsons purchased their home and property, which is now the site of the new Homer Retreat. Today, Jim and Michelle sense the Lord drawing them back into His vision—one far greater than what they could have imagined or accomplished on their own. They feel deeply called to walk alongside Bill and Susan in caring for ministry families across Alaska, offering rest and encouragement in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
They believe their Alaskan “adventure” was intentionally orchestrated by the Lord, and they are honored to serve as part of the Arctic Barnabas team.